Rescue Tail / A Year to Remember 

By Tara McFarland

As this difficult year comes to an end I found myself pulling year end reports, processing data and finding such a beautiful silver lining beneath it all. The year isn’t over yet, but to date our organization has processed over 500 adoptions. Letting that incredible number sink in, smiling to myself knowing hundreds of deserving animals found a second, and sometimes third chance at a life filled with love, hope and happiness, my own soul, too, was filled with love, hope and happiness. As I read through the names, I remembered their stories, many of which we’ve shared with our readers this past year. Stories that I hope helped uplift the readers, that even in what seemed like dark times, compassionate families still opened their homes and hearts to a homeless pet in need.

Personally, my favorite stories are the ones written about our long term residents who finally found a home of their own this year. Residents like Katniss at our Key West Campus who waited 814 days for a family to call her own. Or two of our longest resident cats in Marathon: Cloudy who waited patiently for 1,514 days and Tanya who resided with us for 1,270 days, finally ending their tenure at the shelter in a loving home. Snuggles, a sweet Siamese senior held the title of our oldest cat ever being adopted at the age of 17 after 379 days of waiting. Each one of these four deserving companions waited an average of 2.7 years for the family they always dreamed of.

How beautiful that 6 birds, 320 cats, 136 dogs, 21 small animals, 1 sugar glider, 1 snake and 17 rodents were safely and lovingly cared for by our compassionate staff and volunteers until the day they were matched with loving families in our community this past year. From tiny hamsters, to Zola, the 150 pound South African Boerboel, scaled snakes, feathered parakeets, to purring cats, the human-animal bond was solidified by the single act of adoption.

Adopting an animal is, in my true belief, the greatest gift that can be given. There are millions of animals, right now, in shelters and rescues across the Country waiting for a family to call their own. Adoption is a gift to yourself, knowing that you chose a companion in need does not compare to the love you’ll receive in return. And to that animal you choose, I assure you the gratitude they feel, the love you provide them, the safety, comfort and reassurance that they are forever a part of your family, is a gift they will always cherish.

On this chilly December afternoon my two adopted dogs sit curled up together on a blanket I just removed from the dryer at my feet. They lovingly stretch and look up at me every once in a while. Bismarck, my adopted dog of a year and a half, still looks at me with the softest eyes and always starts wagging her tail. Palmetto, getting even more comfortable, stretches and reaches her paws towards me for a gentle pet. These two have helped me more through the last year than they will ever know. To them, their days have not changed, the world has not changed, they live each day waiting patiently for me to return from work, to finish my chores, shower and curl up on the couch so we can snuggle together before bed. At bedtime Bismarck is always curled up against my belly, Palmetto between my feet and legs, each letting out an enormous sigh as we end the day together. They don’t know if I had a good day, a bad day, a hard day, a sad day or a happy day. All they know is, they’re happy I’m home and they know they are safe and loved. It’s pure and it’s simple.

To our 500+  adopters this year, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To each of you reading this, considering if a shelter animal is the right fit for your needs, or your family, I hope you reach out and give us a call. Gift giving and receiving isn’t just for the holidays, it can be found any day, year round at one of our two Campuses.

Happy Holidays everyone!